Definition: The word "allotroph" comes from the Greek, meaning "to give", and refers to bacteria that consume other organisms for growth or nutrition. In context, it often describes a microorganism that consumes one species in an attempt to multiply itself. Definition: Allotrophs are microorganisms that utilize the nutrients of other organisms. They eat other organisms' matter to grow, but do not divide themselves (divide into two or more cells) to reproduce. The food source is usually provided by other organisms that are generally healthy or thriving, and they thrive on them, using their own cells for growth. Examples: - Clostridium perfringens, a bacterium known as the "knobweaver," feeds upon bacteria and yeasts to feed itself in a process called fermentation. This is why you can often find C. perfringens growing on a variety of surfaces. - Escherichia coli (also known as Klebsiella) from the large intestine of humans, is an example of an "allotrophic" bacterium. It consumes feces and urine to grow, reproducing itself with the human body. The word "allotroph" has a twofold meaning: it can refer to bacteria that are present in nature or those that feed on other organisms for growth, and is also used metaphorically to describe someone who takes advantage of another organism's resources without contributing anything back.

allotrophic